Rose Tree Summer Festival kicks off with Rose Tree Pops

The schedules have arrived, and the behind-the-scenes preparations are well under way for the 39th annual Delaware County Summer Festival, which begins Wednesday and runs for nine weeks.

The 2013 concert series features 45 live performances at the outdoor amphitheater in Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence and offers area residents the chance to enjoy a wide variety of free entertainment in a popular scenic locale.

"Delaware County Council is pleased to offer this free musical concert series for our residents every summer," said Delaware County Council Vice Chairman Mario Civera Jr. "The Summer Festival is a fun outing for families, neighbors, friends, and people of all ages. All you need is a blanket or a lawn chair, then sit back and enjoy."

Light refreshments are available for purchase at the park during the Summer Festival. No alcohol or pets are permitted.

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The lineup of talent includes all types of music, from classical to Cajun, Motown to Broadway, doo wop to rock and pop, and everything in between.

There are also two extraordinary dance presentations, the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (July 13) and the Brandywine Ballet with the Downingtown School of Rock (July 26).

There are different shows five nights a week, Wednesday through Sunday evenings, from June 19-Aug. 18. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of two 10 a.m. concerts for children: Peter Moses (June 26) and Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band (July 11).

There are also two evening concerts for children, featuring Makin' Music Rockin' Rhythms (July 24) and The Plants (Aug. 4)

County Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre said this year's concert series features perennial crowd-pleasers such as the Fabulous Greaseband (June 20), Jimmy & The Parrots, (June 21), Robert Eric Band's Tribute to Billy Joel (July 19), and modern Celtic rock group Blackthorn (Aug. 15).

"We are also looking forward to presenting several dynamite acts we've never had here before, including the Sensational Soul Cruisers (June 30), the British Invasion Tribute (July 5), and Still Surfin's Music of The Beach Boys (July 28)," Manfre said.

One festival newcomer is south Jersey native Payton Taylor (Aug. 1), a 16-year-old singer/songwriter and recording artist whose star is rising so fast, she relocated to Nashville last year. Taylor has performed her high-energy show around the country, appeared at major venues and festivals, and opened for major country artists, including Charlie Daniels, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan and more. She will be appearing at Rose Tree as part of the "Homecoming" leg of her 2013 Summer Tour.

Other highly anticipated groups new to the festival this year are Yellow Brick Road: Tribute to Elton John (Aug. 16), the Gypsy Jazz group Hot Club of Philadelphia (Aug. 11), local bluegrass band The Rockdale Boys (July 21), and Native American Music Award nominees Spirit Wing (Aug. 8).

Opening night will feature a performance by the Rose Tree Pops, a 50-member orchestra that performs light classical music, film scores, show tunes and Big Band favorites.

Many audience favorites are back by popular demand, including the sought-after party band Chico's Vibe (June 23), Bandstand legend Charlie Gracie (July 25), the First Ladies of Rock & Soul (Aug. 2) and the Original Orlons (Aug. 17).

Special patriotic performances will take place with the Upper Darby Sousa Band (July 4) and the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus (Aug. 14).

The final performance will take place Aug. 18 with the Charlie Phillips Band playing the music of Eric Clapton.

Delaware County Council presents the festival with support from sponsors, including PECO and the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau.

IF YOU GO: The Delaware County Summer Festival runs June 19-Aug. 18 with concerts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays (unless otherwise noted) at the outdoor amphitheater at Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Upper Providence. A full schedule of concerts is posted on the county's website at www.co.delaware.pa.us/summer. Schedules are also available in Rose Tree Park, the Media Courthouse, and in the Delaware County libraries. For more information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-891-4455.